मुटु
muṭu[muʈu]
The English word 'heart' can be translated into Nepali as either मुटु (muṭu) or हृदय.
Meaning: an organ (noun)
Ways to say it
| Nepali | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| मुटु | muṭu | [muʈu] (narrow) |
| हृदय | hr̥daya | [ɾid̪ʌe] (narrow) |
Both terms refer to the 'heart', but they are used in different contexts depending on whether you are speaking about biology or emotions.
Which one should you use?
मुटु is the standard word used when referring to the physical, biological organ. In contrast, हृदय is used when referring to the heart in a metaphorical, emotional or poetic sense, such as the seat of one's soul.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
मुटु is the colloquial and common term used in everyday, informal conversation. हृदय is a more formal term preferred in literature, formal writing and high-register speech.
How do you pronounce it?
muṭu
Did you know?
- In Nepali, the word मुटु can be used as a term of endearment, similar to calling someone 'sweetheart' or 'dear' in English.
- The Sanskrit root of हृदय is linked to the concept of 'carrying' or 'holding', suggesting the heart is that which holds the essence of a person.
- While मुटु refers to the organ, in some colloquial contexts, it is used to describe the 'center' or 'core' of a physical object, like the heart of a vegetable.
Examples in context
- उनीसँग दयालु हृदय छ।She has a kind heart.This sentence shows how to use हृदय when describing someone's emotional nature.Tatoeba #12162340 by taro, translation #315117 by CK
- मेरो मुटु धेरै छिटो धड्कियो।mero mutu dherai chhito dhadkiyo.My heart beat very fast.
- डाक्टरले उसको मुटु जाँच गर्दै हुनुहुन्छ।daktarle usko mutu jaanch gardai hunuhunchha.The doctor is checking his heart.
Example conversation
Srijana and Dipesh are talking about health at a clinic.
- सृजना Srijanaदिपेश, तपाईंको मुटुको जाँच भयो?Dipesh, tapaiko mutuko jaanch bhayo?Dipesh, did you have your heart checked?
- दिपेश Dipeshहो, डाक्टरले मुटु स्वस्थ छ भन्नुभयो।Ho, doctorle mutu swastha cha bhannubhayo.Yes, the doctor said my heart is healthy.
- सृजना Srijanaत्यो त राम्रो कुरा हो।Tyo ta ramro kura ho.That is a good thing.
- दिपेश Dipeshधन्यवाद, सृजना।Dhanyabad, Srijana.Thank you, Srijana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heart” translations and entries मुटु, हृदय, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries हृदय, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
